Category: CAPP Resources

CAELI Partner Portal Resources June 2025

1. Seeds to Solutions

Description: Seeds to Solutions™ is a set of free, solutions-oriented instructional resources for grades K–12 on California environmental issues. Developed in response to teacher and community demand, the lessons empower students to address real-world environmental issues, from food waste to water use to wildfire management. Age-appropriate, solutions-focused, and trauma-informed, Seeds to Solutions prepares students to be environmentally literate, engaged community members. Seeds to Solutions includes everything needed to teach the topic and guide student investigations. It aligns with CA standards and Environmental Principles & Concepts. It transforms classroom learning into discussions that go beyond school, and it empowers students to explore environmental solutions with confidence. Browse the units by grade level at Seeds to Solutions. 

2. California Urban Tree Canopy Viewer and Change Analysis Tool


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Description: CAL FIRE and the USDA Forest Service are proud to announce the release of the California Urban Tree Canopy Viewer and Change Analysis Tool. This interactive mapping tool shows California’s urban tree canopy and how it has changed over time, using 2022 high-resolution (60cm) urban tree canopy for all 2020 Census-designated urban areas in the state of California, as well as canopy-related change between 2018 and 2022. The mapping tool overlays the tree canopy layer with other information, including census data, urban heat severity, and the extent of the wildland urban interface and intermix. These layers provide context to help us understand differences in tree canopy across communities. Understanding the extent and location of existing tree canopy and how it has changed over time can help a community design and implement sound management practices to maximize services such as prioritizing tree planting locations in areas with extreme heat, protecting existing tree canopy to offer community-wide benefits, and identify which tree species protect homes in the wildland-urban interface.

Check out this NEW tool to see how you can use the data with your students!

3. 2025 California Green Ribbon School Awards


A green and white card with text and stars AI-generated content may be incorrect.		Description: The California Green Ribbon Schools (CA-GRS) recognition award honors K–12 schools, school districts, and County Offices of Education that demonstrate exemplary achievement in three key areas: resource efficiency, health and wellness, and environmental and sustainability education. This recognition is part of a broader statewide effort to identify and promote effective practices that enhance student engagement, academic performance, graduation rates, and career readiness.

Twelve of the 39 honorees for 2025 participate in the California Environmental Literacy Initiative (CAELI), a clear demonstration of the strength, innovation, and collective impact of this statewide network. Laguna Beach Unified School District and the San Mateo County Office of Education received Green Achiever recognition, the highest possible. Congratulations! 

Click HERE to see the list of all the honorees.

4. Wordlink – Story.Earth: A New Tool for Planetary Learning



Amazon Region: Mammal Species Richness		Description: Story.Earth brings learning to life through stunning planetary visualizations, interactive digital tools, and NGSS-aligned lesson plans. Students use real-world data to observe patterns of change, think critically, and explore solutions for a sustainable future. With its global perspective, Story.Earth cultivates systems thinking, futures thinking, and environmental literacy. By engaging with maps and globes, students learn core scientific concepts and develop inquiry and analysis skills that are vital for their future roles as informed citizens and planetary stewards.

Ready to explore? Visit Story.Earth and join the movement to educate, empower, and inspire the next generation of changemakers.

5. The Backyard Bird Chronicles by Amy Tan





The Backyard Bird Chronicles		Description: Tracking the natural beauty that surrounds us, The Backyard Bird Chronicles maps the passage of time through daily entries, thoughtful questions, and beautiful original sketches. With boundless charm and wit, author Amy Tan charts her foray into birding and the natural wonders of the world.

“With this book as your guide, embark into the bird world Amy Tan. This is an intimate view, a sort-of love affair with the birds and their behavior, that Amy has come to know over several years. Within the leafy universe of her own backyard, she has quietly beheld, patiently observed, and taken in-depth notations of an extensive array of bird species. In colorful detail, she describes various bird’s behavior, while capturing their beauty in exquisitely rendered illustrations. Species include fearsome predators and watchful prey, long distance migrants and hometown residents. Through her unique insight and gift as an author and artist, Amy exposes a world of intrigue, beauty, even humor about the birds we all share this world with.”
—Keith Hansen, author of Hansen’s Field Guide to Birds of the Sierra Nevada

“Amy Tan’s bird journals can change the way you see the world. They show that stories, mysteries, humor, and beauty are all around us if we take the time to pay attention. They remind us that we never stop learning and growing, and if we put in the work, we can learn and master new skills. These journals invite us to look out of our own windows with fresh eyes and wonder.”
—John Muir Laws, author of The Laws Guide to Drawing Birds

CAELI Partner Portal Resources May 2025

1. ELA Superheroes Podcast


ela superheroes podcast icon     		Description: This podcast collection highlights stories of California TK-12 educators who teach reading, writing, listening, and speaking through the lens of environmental literacy and justice, giving a glimpse into what this type of work might look like in TK-12 classrooms. Each superhero podcast includes a short podcast teaser, a full podcast, and a snapshot of the episode.

Episodes in Series 2: 
Grade band TK-8 – Conversations about Food Waste: A teacher-librarian provides meaningful environmental literacy and language opportunities for multilingual learners with Lorena Sanchez.
Grade band 6-8: Falling in love with nature and fighting for it: Inspiring argument writing through everyday encounters with nature with Jodi Bonk.

Click Here to learn more.

2. Children & Nature Network Research Digest – Therapeutic use of Nature


Research Digest    		Description:  Nature-based therapy, an emerging field in psychology, is based on research findings suggesting that contact with nature enhances various aspects of human well-being and can alleviate and/or prevent some mental health disorders or concerns. The June issue of Research Digest focuses on therapeutic uses of nature and the outcomes documented with various populations. Learn about Nature-Based Therapeutic Approaches and Outcomes, how it is effective with Special Populations, and its role in Prevention and addressing health concerns.

Click Here to learn more.

3. May is Water Awareness Month – Department of Water Resources


Image of California Aqueduct     		Description: DWR offers K-12 teachers free activity books and worksheets to download that are focused on water issues such as water conservation, drought, floods, California’s waterways, the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta, how water works and why, the water cycle, agriculture and food, and more.

Visit DWR’s K-12 Education Materials page for free downloads.

4. Arbor Day Foundation – Tree Resources


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Description:  Are you wanting to teach your students more about trees or do you want to learn more about trees yourself?  Perhaps you are interested in planting a tree for Mother’s Day. 

The Arbor Day Foundation provides a wide range of Tree Resources. Check them out!

5.  Project Learning Tree – A Guide to Teaching and Learning About Forests

Project Learning Tree – A Guide to Teaching and Learning About Forests
       		Description: PLT’s Forest Literacy Framework translates the language of forests and sustainable forest management into concepts for everyone at any age. The framework offers 100 forest concepts for grades K-12, organized into the following four themes: 1) What is a forest? 2) Why do forests matter?  3) How do we sustain our forests? 4) What is our responsibility to forests?

Whether you are a teacher interested in connecting your students to the trees in your schoolyard, or a forest professional looking for guidance on community outreach to youth, including career days or field site visits, this Forest Literacy Framework helps to lay out age-appropriate concepts, knowledge, and skills surrounding forests and related topics. The framework presents a conceptual structure to increase people’s understanding of forests and it empowers them to take actions that benefit forests and all of us.

CAELI Partner Portal Resources April 2025

1. Earth Day 2025


Description: The theme for Earth Day 2025 is Our Power, Our Planet, invites everyone around the globe to unite behind renewable energy, and to triple the global generation of clean electricity by 2030.

The EarthDay.org website offers numerous resources on climate education with curricula, toolkits, advocacy packets, calendar of events, and teacher’s guides. There is a Primer: How Climate Change Impacts the K-12 Learning Experience and Solutions.

2. National Environmental Education Foundation EE Resources


Description: Why Environmental Education is Important. People care about what they know and fight for what they love. Environmental Education allows people to connect to the natural world through immersive learning experiences in the outdoors, creating environmental stewards for generations to come. The National Environmental Education Foundation provides numerous resources for teachers, students, and parents. Celebrate Earth Month with fun and engaging activities.

3. Take Me Outside Podcast. Educator WellBeing: Connecting Teacher Wellness with Outdoor Learning with Dr. Astrid Kendrick




Podcast Description: Dr. Astrid Kendrick is currently the Director of Field Experience at the Werklund School of Education at the University of Calgary. She was a K-12 classroom teacher for 19 years specializing in Physical Education, English and Language Arts. One of Dr. Kendrick’s main research areas focus on compassion fatigue, burnout, and emotional labour in Alberta educational workers. Dr. Kendrick is the co-producer of the Ed Students in Conversation podcast series on voicEd Radio Canada and developer of the HEARTcare Educators website. She was the recipient of the 2020 Online Teaching Award from the Werklund School of Education as well as an Emerging Scholar Award from The Learner research network in 2019. Listen to the podcast Here.

4. Foundation for Environmental Education Eco-Schools Early Years Handbook



Description: The Foundation for Environmental Education announces its Eco-Schools Early Years Handbook. Eco-Schools for Early Childhood Education inspires exploration, fuels curiosity, and nurtures children’s natural desire to ask questions about the world around them.  Using the Eco-Schools seven steps framework and themes, children will connect what they learn with the real world. This approach is a crucial basis for building the emotions, attitudes, values, behaviours and skills which will help them build positive relationships with their environment and each other.

Read and download the Handbook Here.

5.California State Parks Resources: Exploring Nature in Your Neighborhood: Activities for Kids & Families


Description:  Want to get out and explore nature right in your own neighborhood? It is as easy as 1-2-3. Here are some activities that you can download for use with family and friends to get you started on some Neighborhood Nature adventuring. Activities include nature journaling, poetry, learning about the food web, using your senses, go buggy in your backyard or neighborhood, looking for feathers, or looking up at the stars. There is something for everyone.

Download your favorite activity Here.

CAELI Partner Portal Resources March 2025

The CAELI County Office of Education Innovation Hub developed this introductory tool to support county offices of education, districts, and schools to understand the requirements of AB 285

1. AB 285 Toolkit



The CAELI County Office of Education Innovation Hub developed this introductory tool to support county offices of education, districts, and schools to understand the requirements of AB 285 and begin taking next steps for implementing grade-appropriate climate change curriculum. What Is California Assembly Bill 285? The bill amended Sections 51210 and 51220 of the California Education Code to require that courses of study for science in grades 1–12 include material “on the causes and effects of climate change, and on the methods to mitigate and adapt to climate change. Appropriate coursework including material on the causes and effects of climate change and methods to mitigate and adapt to climate change shall be offered to pupils as soon as possible, commencing no later than the 2024–25 school year.” Click HERE to read the Toolkit.

2. Children and Nature Network – The Benefits of Nature Toolkit 


In a new toolkit from the Children and Nature Network, access research that shows the health benefits and stewardship outcomes for kids who spend time in nature. Help make the case for the benefits of nature.Kids need to be outside. A joyful childhood, a healthy adulthood and a thriving planet depend on it. Spending time in nature makes kids healthier, happier and smarter. It also helps them become good stewards of the environment. These statements are based on a solid and growing body of research. This toolkit will help you access that research and other resources to “make the case” for equitable access to nature.To learn more, access the Toolkit HERE.

3. NAAEE Guidelines for Excellence


The National Project for Excellence in Environmental Education, initiated by NAAEE in 1994, developed a series of guidelines that set the standards for high-quality environmental education. Each of these publications was developed by a diverse team of professionals, and each has gone through a substantive review by thousands of professionals prior to its publication.

Through the National Project for Excellence in Environmental Education, NAAEE is taking the lead in establishing guidelines for the development of balanced, scientifically accurate, and comprehensive environmental education programs and materials. Quality environmental education programs help develop an environmentally literate citizenry that can compete in our global economy; has the skills, knowledge, and inclinations to make well-informed choices; and exercises the rights and responsibilities of members of a community.

The Guidelines for Excellence series includes the following titles: Community Engagement, Early Childhood, EE Programs, EE Materials, K-12 EE, and Professional Development. All are downloadable for free. Learn more about the Guidelines for Excellence in this video featuring Bora Simmons, Director of the National Project for Excellence in EE.

4. NAAEE Webinar- Building Resilience: Strategies for Personal Well-Being




Webinar Recording (2/27/25): Drawing from a decade of experience supporting conservation professionals, Dr. Vik Mohan, a practicing physician and resilience expert, shares evidence-based approaches for thriving in a changing world. This interactive session offers practical tools for navigating workplace challenges, understanding stress responses, and cultivating sustainable support systems. Dr. Mohan combines his medical expertise with real-world insights to help participants develop strategies for maintaining energy and focus while pursuing meaningful and important work.

In this session, Vik shared: evidence-based techniques for managing change, uncertainty, stress, and overwhelm; tools and suggestions for coping with current challenges, and for taking positive action in support of our goals and our own well-being; concrete steps to maintain motivation and purpose in demanding roles; methods for building and strengthening support networks; and ideas to enable us to think differently about and feel more empowered to tackle the challenges we face.

Click HERE to watch the recording.

5. BEETLES Project Resources 




Better Environmental Education, Teaching, Learning & Expertise Sharing or BEETLES, infuses outdoor science programs with research-based approaches and tools to improve science teaching and learning. Their professional learning resources are designed for program leaders to use with field instructors. They provide experiences and rationale about outdoor science instruction designed to inspire instructors to improve their teaching. The student activities inspire students’ wonder and curiosity about the natural world, support their innate tendencies for exploration and guide them to make explanations based on evidence.
BEETLES student activities engage students directly with nature, encourage a scientific mindset, ignite wonder and curiosity, and help students “fall in love” with nature. The activities are student-centered (not instructor-centered), include student discussion of science ideas, help instructors to be “guides on the side,” and empower students to continue exploring and wondering about nature after they leave an outdoor science program. BEETLES activities create opportunities for students to make and share connections to their lives. This makes instruction relevant for students and helps instructors better understand students’ lived experiences and cultural identities. 

BEETLES student activities are learning cycle-based–structured to facilitate students flowing through phases of learning. The activities are written to be “educative” for instructors. That’s why, along with clear step-by-step instructions, there’s information about pedagogy, science background, adjusting for different students, and connections to the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS). BEETLES materials are aligned with the vision of NGSS to provide students with “3-dimensional” instruction (combining science practices, crosscutting concepts, and disciplinary core ideas) in science learning experiences in the outdoors.

Click HERE to review many of the activities provided.